Synonyms of canvass

canvass

verb

ˈkan-vəs 

variants also canvas

1

as in to survey

to go around and approach (people) with a request for opinions or information

we canvassed people all over town, asking if they would be interested in participating in a recycling program

Synonyms & Similar Words

• survey
• interview
• poll
• solicit
• question
• interrogate
• sound (out)
• circularize
• feel (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• report

2

as in to debate

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion

canvassed all the items on the agenda

Synonyms & Similar Words

• debate
• discuss
• argue
• review
• talk over
• dispute
• agitate
• moot
• bat (around or back and forth)
• hash (over or out)
• raise
• bandy
• speak (about)
• consider
• stir up
• talk (about)
• introduce
• hammer out
• weigh
• propound
• wrestle (with)
• forge
• broach
• thrash (out)
• deliberate
• talk out
• chew over

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of canvass

By the afternoon, several people who appeared to be law enforcement agents were canvassing the neighborhood, with one wearing an FBI sweatshirt. —ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026

Over the next two days, officers and personnel from the medical examiner’s office conducted an extensive search, canvassing the area with cadaver dogs, which identified the possible presence of additional remains near a drainage pipe. —Hanna Park, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

The group has been canvassing neighborhoods and manned information booths at the local farmers’ market. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

At the time, police canvassing the area found a Glock 45 in a yard near where the shooting occurred. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026